Muddling through life with Momma, Mr & Mini

Exploring the Ilfracombe Aquarium

The Aquarium

We have recently spent a week on holiday with family in the Ilfracombe and North Devon area. Whilst there we decided to visit the Ilfracombe Aquarium, which is situated in the harbour of the pretty seaside town.

Upon arriving Mini was given a activity quiz to complete, she had to spot knitted fish around the Aquarium to solve a puzzle. She enjoyed doing the trail and was able to write the letters herself, using the clipboard provided. She proudly exchanged the code word for a sticker at the end.

Mini was also given a step to take around with her to stand on and help see in to the tanks, as some of them were a little high. I thought that this was a nice touch to make sure that children get the most out of the experience.

The aquarium is laid out on one floor, with a small viewing platform so that you can look down into the largest of the tanks.

All of the tanks had lots of information explaining the species that was inside and key facts about the marine life of the local area.

Mini’s favourite tank was the large tank containing rays. One of the rays seemed to take a liking to her and pressed his face up against the glass as if to say hello to her, which she thought was funny.

The tanks had a good variety in them, from river fish, to a rockpool display and more exotic fish found in deeper water. There were some demonstrations throughout the day to watch. During our visit we observed the cuttlefish being fed. The member of staff explained how they feed and was happy to answer any questions.

We did enjoy our visit and it was clear that a lot of thought and care has gone into the aquarium. We did find that it was quite small and our visit only lasted 30 minutes, maybe its something to consider as a rainy day activity.

There is also a gift shop and a rooftop café at the Aquarium which we didn’t have to use on the day, however we were told that the cream teas were very good.